MPs David Chaytor and Ivan Lewis have welcomed the borough's increase in its financial settlement for next year.

Their comments come days after it was disclosed that Bury Council had been given a 4.8 per cent increase in its SSA (Standard Spending Assessment, or how much the Government thinks Bury should spend) to nearly £143 million.

This is the biggest rise in Greater Manchester and much larger than many other authorities.

Bury North MP David Chaytor said: "Within the constraints of the current local Government finance system, this is a very good deal for local services."

Bury South MP Mr Lewis said: "Since our election in 1997, David and I have campaigned vigorously to secure a fair deal for local services.

"We have taken our 'fair deal for Bury' campaign to the very highest levels of Government. This year's settlement represents a major breakthrough."

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